Canada is interested in a free trade deal with the United States that would open up local government procurements to both countries. The interest comes as Canadian companies continue to report difficulties in winning government contracts in U.S states and cities because of "Buy American" provisions in President Barack Obama's stimulus bill. Kory Teneycke, a spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said Friday that Canada is interested in ending the practice of national preference at the local level in the U.S. and Canada. The Americans are unlikely to be impressed by a pledge from Canadian provinces and municipalities to stop doing what they have not been doing. They would be more impressed by the introduction of a Buy Canada Act in Parliament. With that legislation in hand, Harper could talk on even terms with Barack Obama.